William Richard “Dick” Baird Jr., 88, passed away June 27, 2023. Dick was born Aug. 30, 1934, in Phoenix to William Richard Baird Sr. and Gertrude Taylor. He was the oldest of five children, McCray Sherman, Myrna Green (deceased), Ernest and Anthony (deceased). After the death of his mother and at the age of 12, he became a leader and caring advocate for his younger siblings as they moved throughout Arizona, including the Love Lake Ranch, Snowflake and Pomerene. He graduated from Benson High School in 1953, and shortly after married Eileen East. They had six children together, Deborah (Doug) Hardy, Doreen (Lynn) Ray, Luraly (Brian) Warner, Jayne (Paul) Pulsipher, Stuart (Marjie) Baird, and Rick (Jo) Baird. After they divorced, he married Darla Mills, who had three children – Gilbur Dean (deceased), Tammy (Jeff) Brewer, and Lori Baker. He and Darla had one son together, Will (Evelyn) Baird. Dick was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived a life of selfless service and spent many years of dedication ministering to members of his wards in Show Low and Taylor. He ran a successful janitorial business and was known throughout the White Mountains for his work ethic and impeccable cleaning services. Ever a stickler for details, he continued to work alongside his crew until he retired in 2019. A viewing will be held Friday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Owens Livingston Mortuary, White Mountain Chapel, located at 320 N. 9th St., in Show Low. An additional viewing will be at 9 a.m., on Saturday, July 15, at the Show Low LDS Stake Center, located at 1401 W. Deuce of Clubs, Show Low. The funeral will follow at 10 a.m. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.
